Islander Soundtrack

Original Motion Picture
Soundtrack by Billy Mallery

Additional songs by Ian McCrudden

“Mallery’s lovely guitar-driven score
enhances the impeccable sense of place.”
- Variety

“A gentle and evocative score.”
- Now Playing Magazine

"Aerial shots are dramatized by the Celtic-tinged
music, creating the feeling that the island is perched
on the edge of the world."
- The Wire

Islander Trailer

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After causing a tragic accident at sea, Eben Cole loses his family, friends and stature in his island fishing community. He returns to the island an outcast but determined to win back the way of life he fought so hard to protect. Set against the stunning backdrop of the Maine coast, Islander captures the grit and integrity of this hard working and little known American community, and celebrates man's unerring need for redemption.

Visit The Official Islander Website

A word from the composer:
I've composed many heavily produced scores, ranging from full orchestras to multi-layered electronica. And so I have to mention here how great it was to simply pick up instruments and just jam on many parts of this score, and many times going with the first take. The 'lap dulcimer' has become a favorite instrument of mine as of late, and its sound and vibe seemed to be perfect for this film. It has somewhat of a Celtic feel to it, which seemed appropriate considering the remoteness of this island culture. But the dulcimer also feels quite American to me... very grass-roots and somewhat Appalachian. And so we went with it as the main instrument, mixed with acoustic and electric guitar, and cello as well (played by the great Cameron Stone). Early on I remember starting a cue on the piano (my main instrument), but I soon realized that this isn't a piano score at all... this thing needs to be strummed and plucked and slided all the way, to enhance the rawness and ruggedness of the culture and the story. - b Mallery
SOUNDTRACK SESSION NOTES:
Day 23: Ian (director) shows up at the studio unannounced (again) wondering about the music for the "five year montage" sequence, which I hadn't started yet. By the time he left, we had it. Ian started strumming guitar and I joined him on the lap dulcimer. While watching the picture we just spontaneously wrote that piece in one take... it was quite magical. Later I embellished the track with bass, piano and sonic textures, before recording Cameron Stone on cello to bring it to completion. It was really great for me to collaborate musically like this with the director of the film, and not just because he's a dear friend of mine. Sure he let me do my thing, but how nice it was to just "jam" with Ian on many parts of this soundtrack, especially since I love where he's coming from musically.
Day 41: Sunrise... (usually I compose in the evenings) ..the perfect "clean" time I felt to compose and record the piece "Let It Go". It's one of my very favorite scenes, and the LA Weekly even said it's "one of Philip Baker Hall's finest moments." To me it's the turning point in the film, where hope surfaces after much suffering and struggle. Here is where the musical chords start to ascend, whereas much of the composition beforehand is descending. I almost brought back the main theme of the film here ('The Good Life'), but then I decided to introduce a new melody. One reason was because I felt that Popper (Hall), who I see as the "gentle hero" of the film, deserved a theme of his own, to support his humility and compassionate ways. And, because I felt the real theme of the scene isn't as much about the "good life" itself... as it is about the striving for it.

ISLANDER
Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

The Good Life (Main Title) Sara I’ll Get You Up We Ain’t Going Fishing Sternman Overboard Five Years * Eben’s Return Black of Night Clean Slate ** You’ve Grown Back on the Water Persevere Good Life Unveiled Goodbye Sara Let it Go (Popper’s theme) Can’t Swim Emily Let the Healing Begin Miss Katie / No Other Prize All Things Good / Grace * Start Over **

Produced by Billy Mallery
* Written by Ian McCrudden and Billy Mallery
** Written by Ian McCrudden

Cristian Delano - electric and acoustic guitar
Cameron Stone - cello
Dito Montiel - electric guitar
Ian McCrudden - acoustic guitar
Billy Mallery - dulcimer and acoustic guitar